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Edited by Lucia-Haoyang Environmental Co.,Ltd
I. Introduction
Geomembranes are indispensable in the mining industry, known for their impermeability, durability, and chemical resistance. This article explores their multiple applications in mining, highlighting their role in environmental protection, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
II. Key Functions of Geomembranes in Mining
2.1 Containment of Tailings
Geomembranes act as a barrier to prevent the leakage of tailings contaminated with heavy metals, safeguarding soil and water resources. For example, a copper mine in Chile installed a 2mm HDPE geomembrane meeting GM13 standards. Over 10 years, water samples showed minimal heavy metal concentration increases:
Sampling Year | Copper Conc. (mg/L) | Other Heavy Metal Conc. (mg/L) |
2013 | 0.05 | 0.1 |
2018 | 0.06 | 0.12 |
2023 | 0.07 | 0.13 |
Geomembranes also enhance structural stability, reducing slope failure risks in tailings dams. A U.S. study of 50 tailings dams found that those lined with geomembranes had a 30% lower probability of slope instability:
Dam Type | Slope Instability Probability |
Lined with Geomembranes | 10% |
Unlined | 40% |
2.2 Sealing of Landfills for Mining Waste
Geomembranes significantly reduce environmental impacts from mining waste landfills, particularly acid mine drainage. In a South African gold mine landfill, a 1.5mm HDPE geomembrane reduced seepage of acid-generating substances into groundwater by 80%:
Time Period | Acid-Generating Substance Seepage (mg/L) | Reduction Percentage |
Before Installation | 50 | - |
After Installation | 10 | 80% |
Research in Australia showed geomembranes with 2.5-3.0% carbon black content (GM13 standard) had a service life over 20 years with minor degradation.
Carbon Black Content (%) | Service Life (years) | Degradation Level |
2.5 - 3.0 | >20 | Minor |
<2.5 | 10 - 15 | Moderate |
2.3 Lining of Process Ponds
Geomembranes optimize water management in process ponds. In a Brazilian iron ore mine, a 1mm HDPE geomembrane reduced water evaporation and seepage by 40%:
Time Period | Water Evap. & Seepage (m³/day) | Reduction Percentage |
Before Installation | 50 | - |
After Installation | 30 | 40% |
HDPE geomembranes resist common mining chemicals like sulfuric and hydrochloric acid, showing no degradation after exposure.
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II. Types of Geomembranes Used in Mining
3.1 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Geomembranes
HDPE geomembranes are widely used, adhering to standards like GB/T17643-2011 and GM13. GM13 mandates a minimum tensile strength of 22 N/mm for 1mm-thick membranes, while GB/T17643-2011 requires 18 N/mm.
Standard | Tensile Strength (N/mm) for 1mm-thick Membrane | Elongation at Break (%) |
GM13 | 22 | ≥750 |
GB/T17643-2011 | 18 | ≥700 |
Prices vary by thickness:
Thickness (mm) | Price Range per Square Meter ($) |
1.0 | 2 - 5 |
1.5 | 3 - 7 |
2.0 | 5 - 10 |
3.2 Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Geomembranes
LLDPE geomembranes are suitable for areas with minor ground movements, offering superior elongation properties.
Geomembrane Type | Elongation at Break (%) |
LLDPE | 800 - 900 |
HDPE | 700 - 800 |
Although initially more expensive, LLDPE's extended lifespan can be cost-effective over 15 years.
Geomembrane Type | Initial Cost ($) | Replacement Cost ($) | Total Cost ($) |
LLDPE | 100,000 | 20,000 | 120,000 |
Lower-quality HDPE | 80,000 | 50,000 | 130,000 |
3.3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes
PVC geomembranes resist a wide range of chemicals, showing no degradation after 5 years in acidic solutions.
Chemical | PVC Geomembrane Resistance | HDPE Geomembrane Resistance |
Nitric Acid | High | Moderate |
Sodium Hydroxide | High | High |
PVC installation is faster but requires more UV protection and maintenance than HDPE.
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IV. Installation and Maintenance of Geomembranes in Mining
4.1 Installation Techniques
Common welding methods include hot-wedge welding and extrusion welding. Hot-wedge welding installs 1.5mm HDPE geomembranes at 3-5 meters per minute, verified through non-destructive tests.
Welding Method | Welding Speed (m/min) | Quality Assurance Method |
Hot-wedge Welding | 3 - 5 | Air-pressure testing, Vacuum-box testing |
Extrusion Welding | 1 - 2 | Visual inspection, Destructive testing |
Quality control involves visual inspection, air-pressure testing, and vacuum-box testing.
4.2 Maintenance Requirements
Regular inspections detect and rectify damage. Repair costs vary by damage type:
Type of Damage | Repair Cost per Square Meter ($) |
Small Puncture (< 5 cm²) | 1 - 3 |
Medium-sized Tear (5 - 20 cm²) | 5 - 10 |
Large-scale Damage (> 20 cm²) | 10 - 20 (plus replacement material cost) |
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V. Future Trends and Developments
5.1 Technological Advancements
Nanocomposite and smart geomembranes are emerging as the next - generation solutions, offering enhanced properties and detection capabilities. The table below compares the key features of traditional HDPE, nanocomposite, and smart geomembranes:
Geomembrane Type | Tensile Strength (N/mm) | Chemical Resistance | UV Resistance | Leak Detection Accuracy | Pollutant - Level Detection Accuracy |
Traditional HDPE | 18 - 22 | Good | Moderate | 70% | 60% |
Nanocomposite Geomembranes | 25 - 30 | Excellent | High | - | - |
Smart Geomembranes | - | - | - | 95% | 90% |
5.2 Environmental Regulations and Compliance
Mining companies are increasingly facing more stringent environmental regulations. In Europe, the Waste Framework Directive requires the use of geomembranes meeting the GM13 standard or equivalent. In North America, EPA Regulations vary by state but are often similar to GM13 in many cases. Additionally, there is a growing demand for eco - friendly geomembranes, such as those with recycled content. The following tables provide more details:
Region | Regulation Name | Geomembrane Standard Requirement |
Europe | Waste Framework Directive | GM13 or equivalent |
North America | EPA Regulations | Varies by state, but similar to GM13 in many cases |
5.3 Cost - effectiveness and Efficiency Improvements
Mining firms are actively seeking ways to cut costs by optimizing the design of geomembrane - lined structures and adopting automated welding techniques for higher efficiency. For example, in Mine X, design optimization led to a 20% cost reduction. Automated welding also significantly reduces the installation time. The relevant data is presented in the tables:
Welding Method | Installation Time (days for 10,000 m²) |
Manual Welding | 15 |
Automated Welding | 10 |
In summary, geomembranes are of utmost importance in the mining industry. With the continuous progress of technology and the tightening of environmental regulations, their applications will continue to evolve, contributing to more sustainable and efficient mining operations.
1.5mm geomemrbane test report.pdf
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